Removable rotating seating system

Abstract

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, seating systems for platforms are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the seating system includes a base component and a rotating component. The base component is fixed in position. The rotating component is configured to rotate between a first position, in which one or more occupants may sit on the seating system; and a second position, in which the rotating component may be readily removed from the seating system, without tools. The base component and the rotating have respective mating components forming one or more engagement systems that hold the rotating component into place when the rotating component is in the first position, and that allow removal of the rotating component when the rotating component is in the second position.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A seating system comprising:
 a base component that is fixed in position; and   a rotating component that is configured to rotate between:
 a first position, in which one or more occupants may sit on the seating system; and 
 a second position, in which the rotating component may be readily removed from the seating system, without tools; 
   wherein the base component and the rotating have respective mating components forming one or more engagement systems that hold the rotating component into place when the rotating component is in the first position, and that allow removal of the rotating component when the rotating component is in the second position.   
     
     
         2 . The seating system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the rotating component that is further configured to rotate to a third position, in which the rotating component is stowed; and   the one or more engagement systems also hold the rotating component into place when the rotating component is in the third position.   
     
     
         3 . The seating system of  claim 2 , wherein the second position comprises an intermediate position between the first and third positions. 
     
     
         4 . The seating system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the base component comprises a protruding element and a latching mechanism;   the rotating component comprises a pivot element and a latchable element;   the protruding element and the pivot element comprise first mating components that, together, form a first engagement system of the one or more engagement systems; and   the latching mechanism and the latchable element comprise second mating component that, together, form a second engagement system of the one or more engagement systems.   
     
     
         5 . The seating system of  claim 2 , wherein the rotating component further comprises a seating region that is attached or otherwise coupled to the pivot element and the latchable element. 
     
     
         6 . The seating system of  claim 5 , wherein the seating region comprises a seating bench and a backrest that are attached or otherwise coupled to one another. 
     
     
         7 . The seating system of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the pivot element comprises a cup-shaped element;   the protruding element comprises a pin;   the latching mechanism comprises a bracket with a claw; and   the latchable element comprises a rod.   
     
     
         8 . The seating system of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a latch for the bracket that requires a mechanical means of release to adjust the seat to another one of the first, second, or third positions.   
     
     
         9 . The seating system of  claim 7 , wherein the seating system is configured for installation within a vehicle. 
     
     
         10 . A seating system for installation within a platform, the seating system comprising:
 a base component that is fixed in position and that comprises:
 a latching mechanism; and 
 a protruding element; and 
   a rotating component that is configured to rotate between:
 a seating position, in which one or more occupants may sit on the seating system, 
 a stowed position, in which the rotating component is stowed; and 
 an intermediate position, in which the rotating component may be readily removed from the seating system; 
   the rotating component comprising:
 a seating region; 
 a latchable element that is attached or otherwise coupled to the seating region; and 
 a pivot element that is attached or otherwise coupled to the seating region; 
   wherein:
 the latching mechanism and the latchable element are mating components that, collectively, comprise a first engagement system that holds the rotating component into place when the rotating component is in the seating position and when the rotating component is in the stowed position; and 
 the pivot element and the protruding element are mating components that, collectively, comprise a second engagement system that also holds the rotating component into place when the rotating component is in the seating position and when the rotating component is in the stowed position. 
   
     
     
         11 . The seating system of  claim 10 , wherein the seating region comprises a seating bench and a backrest that are attached or otherwise coupled to one another. 
     
     
         12 . The seating system of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the pivot element comprises a cup-shaped element;   the protruding element comprises a pin;   the latching mechanism comprises a bracket with a claw; and   the latchable element comprises a rod.   
     
     
         13 . The seating system of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a latch for the bracket that requires a mechanical means of release to adjust the seat to another one of the 3 positions.   
     
     
         14 . The seating system of  claim 13 , wherein the seating system is configured for installation within a vehicle. 
     
     
         15 . A platform comprising:
 a body; and   a seating system disposed within the body, the seating system comprising:
 a base component that is fixed in position and that comprises:
 a latching mechanism; and 
 a protruding element; and 
 
 a rotating component that is configured to rotate between:
 a seating position, in which one or more occupants may sit on the seating system, 
 a stowed position, in which the rotating component is stowed; and 
 an intermediate position, in which the rotating component may be readily removed from the seating system; 
 
 the rotating component comprising:
 a seating region; 
 a latchable element that is attached or otherwise coupled to the seating region; and 
 a pivot element that is attached or otherwise coupled to the seating region; 
 
 wherein:
 the latching mechanism and the latchable element are mating components that, collectively, comprise a first engagement system that holds the rotating component into place when the rotating component is in the seating position and when the rotating component is in the stowed position; and 
 the pivot element and the protruding element are mating components that, collectively, comprise a second engagement system that also holds the rotating component into place when the rotating component is in the seating position and when the rotating component is in the stowed position. 
 
   
     
     
         16 . The platform of  claim 15 , wherein the seating region comprises a seating bench and a backrest that are attached or otherwise coupled to one another. 
     
     
         17 . The platform of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the pivot element comprises a cup-shaped element;   the protruding element comprises a pin;   the latching mechanism comprises a bracket with a claw; and   the latchable element comprises a rod.   
     
     
         18 . The platform of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 a latch for the bracket that requires a tool for removal of the rotating component.   
     
     
         19 . The platform of  claim 17 , wherein the platform comprises a mobile platform. 
     
     
         20 . The platform of  claim 19 , wherein the mobile platform comprises an automotive vehicle.